Self-Coercion

"Little Feng, since you've said so, you should also set a good example."

Shen Mengli's words carried a hidden meaning, and Ye Feng's gaze flickered uncertainly before he naturally avoided her implication.

"Mengli, let's go eat..."

Before Ye Feng could finish, Shen Mengli tightly gripped his collar with both hands, her expression soft and pleading.

"Tell me!"

"Mengli..."

"Tell me what you're hiding from me!"

Her tone grew more serious, even tinged with anger, as she reacted to Ye Feng's evasiveness. It pained her to see him break a promise so easily. If he slipped once without consequence, he would do it again and again—a result she absolutely refused to accept.

"Little Feng, please, answer me, okay?"

She forced down her anger, trying to coax the truth out of him with gentler words.

"I'm sorry, Mengli. I have my own principles. For your sake, and mine... some things are better left unsaid."

"Little Feng, must you be like this? Why can't we be honest with each other? Let me help you, just like you helped me before."

"Mengli..."

Ye Feng lowered his head, his expression desolate. He didn’t want to reveal the method to undo the life-time limit to her—because if he did, she would surely share it with the other girls. That would only deepen his debt to them. And worse... it would mean subjecting them to unfair treatment.

"Little Feng, you still won’t tell me?"

"I'm sorry..."

Seeing his resistance, Shen Mengli’s determination to uncover the secret only grew stronger.

"Fine... if that’s how you want to be, Little Feng... then let’s just go eat."

"Mengli..."

Ye Feng reached out to stop her as she walked past him, but to his surprise, she dodged his hand, her face sullen as she strode out of the bedroom.

"Ah..."

Ye Feng sighed deeply, helpless. Still, knowing Shen Mengli’s temperament, he figured a little coaxing might smooth things over.

With that thought, he followed her. But when he reached the dining table, he noticed Shen Mengli wasn’t seated. Instead, she stood by the kitchen sink, her back turned to him.

"Mengli?"

He called her name softly, stepping closer.

He hadn’t wanted today’s events to upset her, but ever since her return, he’d sensed she was hiding something. Everything had been so peaceful before.

"Come on, Mengli, don’t be angry. Let’s eat first, and we can talk later, okay?"

Even after his words, Shen Mengli remained motionless. Just as he moved forward to see what was wrong, she slowly turned around.

"Whew, Mengli, you scared me. I thought—"

His words died in his throat. Shen Mengli stood expressionless—and in her hand was a kitchen knife, pressed against her own neck.

"Mengli! What are you doing?!"

Ye Feng had never seen her act like this. He lunged forward to snatch the knife, but she reacted faster, pressing the blade harder against her skin.

"L-Little Feng... I don’t want to do this."

Her eyes were red and swollen, her heart equally torn. But no matter how much she pleaded or prodded, Ye Feng refused to budge. This was her last resort—extreme, yes, but the only way to force the truth from him. If she gave up now, she knew he’d bury the secret even deeper.

"But if you won’t agree... I have no choice. So please, just nod, okay? If you promise to tell me, I’ll put the knife down."

"Mengli..."

Ye Feng’s face darkened, his jaw clenched. Her actions had shaken him to the core.

What should he do? Tell her? Or keep hiding it?

"Little Feng, you promised me. You can’t break your word, understand? I love you so much, yet you keep hurting me. I’d do anything for you—don’t you get that?!"

"I know! But... but..."

"No buts. All I want is the truth. So... please, tell me. I’m begging you."

As she spoke, the knife nicked her pale neck, drawing a thin line of blood. Her resolve was unshakable—she wouldn’t back down until he answered.

The sight of crimson trickling down her skin aged Ye Feng in an instant. He opened his mouth, struggling before finally whispering, "Alright... I’ll tell you."

"R-Really? Little Feng, you mean it?"

"Yes. So please, put the knife down. Don’t hurt yourself, Mengli."

"......"

Seeing the sorrow in his eyes, Shen Mengli finally dropped the knife. Though she’d been desperate for the truth, the pain in his expression broke her heart. But she’d had no choice. The moment he relented, she threw the blade aside and threw herself into his arms.

"Wah... Little Feng... I-I’m sorry!"

With his surrender, the tension inside her snapped. Her earlier resolve crumbled, and she sobbed uncontrollably.

The irony wasn’t lost on Ye Feng. He was the one being forced to confess, yet here he was, comforting her. What kind of logic was that?

But he kept the thought to himself. Deep down, he knew Shen Mengli only acted out of love for him. How could he stay angry?

"Mengli, don’t cry. I agreed, didn’t I? Why are you the one crying now?"

"I... I..."

Her breaths came in hiccups, her words fragmented.

"I’m s-sorry, Little Feng... I didn’t want to do this! It’s just..."

"Shh, it’s okay. Stop crying."

He pulled her close, gently patting her back. Somehow, he’d already moved past what had just happened.